George J. Wechsler

George Joseph Wechsler, San Antonio native and longtime business and community leader, died January 7th, 2011 at the age of 94. George was born August 7th, 1916 to George and Mary Biasioli Wechsler on a dairy farm across from Mission Conception. He attended Tech High School and joined the Texas National Guard. In 1933, he joined the Civilian Conservation Core. After high school George began his lifelong career in retail at HL Green /Grandsilver, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Cheetham. In 1939 he began working at Solo Serve Department Store where he quickly moved to the position of merchandise manager. In October, 1942 he joined the Army. Even though he did not graduate from high school, he went to Officer’s Candidate School and was commissioned a 2nd Lt in 1943. In May, 1944 his 4th Infantry Division was sent to Seaton by the Sea, a top-secret assembly area in England. On June 6th his unit landed on Utah Beach, Normandy, France in the D-Day Invasion. On June 9th, he earned the Silver Star for directing artillery fire in support of troops who were pinned down. Two weeks later, he was severely injured and blinded. After numerous surgeries he regained sight in one eye, spending 6 months in hospitals in England and the U.S. He received the Purple Heart and was medically retired as First Lieutenant, Dec. 1944. After WW II, was manager of Joykist Candy Co, and after 5 years returned to Solo Serve. He learned the nursery business through his mentor, I. Brenner. In 1950, he began his 50 plus year career in the plant and nursery industry and went from manager to owner of Solo Serve Nurseries in 1960. He sold the nurseries to Tandy Corp. (Wolfe Nurseries) and remained as general manager of the nurseries in San Antonio and Austin until his retirement in 2004. He was a member of San Antonio Nursery Association and Texas Association of Nurserymen (TAN) serving as president of both. His involvement earned him numerous awards including Life Membership, ARP Award, TAN Staff Award and the First Lifetime Achievement Award from Wolfe Nursery. He was a member of the Westside Lions for 55 plus years, serving as President and Treasurer. He was president of The 100 Club, Knife and Fork Club, and the American Legion, Post 20 all of San Antonio.

George was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; sister, Helen Heina; and son-in-law Frank Ramert, Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Jan Ramert, grandsons Jeff Ramert and wife Stephanie and Jimmy Ramert and wife, Erin; two great-grandchildren, Lauren Ramert and Finn Ramert. Nieces Carol Smith and Sandra Richard. The family would like to thank wonderful caregivers, Octavia, Ron, Teresa, Sheryl, and Connie.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 10, 2011, from 5:00pm until 9:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm, at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 12:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Westside Lions of San Antonio—6838 Brookvale, SAT 78238, Assistance League of San Antonio, P.O. Box 13130, San Antonio, TX 78213 or a charity of your choice.